Reader for optical indicia presented under two or more imaging conditions within a single frame time

ABSTRACT

The present invention embraces an optical indicia reader, e.g., barcode scanner, that captures images of optical indicia under multiple imaging conditions within the span of a single frame. The reader includes an image sensor having selectively-addressable pixels that can be divided into groups having regions of interest (ROIs) within the reader field of view. Each pixel group is shuttered separately to obtain independent partial frame images under separate imaging conditions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an optical indicia reading apparatusgenerally and particularly to an image based barcode reader for scanningand decoding either a barcode printed on a substrate or a barcodepresented on an electronic display within a single frame time.

BACKGROUND

Optical indicia such as barcode symbols can be defined as opticalmachine-readable representations of data. Over the last several decades,various optical code symbologies have been created and incorporated intocountless industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Forexample, the first commercially successful barcodes, Universal ProductCodes (UPCs), were developed along with automated supermarket checkoutsystems. These systems included a laser-scanner barcode reader to readand decode UPC barcode symbols affixed to products to get the price forthe each product. UPC symbols are considered to be a one-dimensionalbarcode in that data is encoded linearly across a series of parallelbars and spaces with varying widths. A moveable laser beam is operatedto form a line across the width of a barcode symbol being read. Theintensity of the light reflected back from the barcode symbol iscaptured via one or more photodiodes as a waveform having a series ofpeaks and valleys. After a full waveform is obtained by the barcodereader, the processor decodes the symbol to extract the data containedtherein.

After widespread proliferation of UPC symbols, other types of linearbarcodes were developed with many still in use today. Due to theirsimplicity and ease of reading, linear barcodes are particularly wellsuited for applications involving automated sorting and materialhandling, inventory management, quality control, shipping and receivingfunctions, especially at high volumes and/or speed. Linear barcodes,however, only hold a limited amount of data or information.

To overcome the data limitations of one-dimensional barcodes,two-dimensional (2D) barcode symbols and image-based readers to read anddecode them, were subsequently developed. Examples of two-dimensionalbarcode symbols include matrix codes (QR, Data Matrix, etc.) and stackedbarcodes (e.g., PDF-417). Both one-dimensional and two-dimensionalbarcodes, along with other machine-readable indicia such asalpha-numeric characters, are generally referred to as optical codes.

Newer image based optical code readers use a complementary metal oxidesemiconductor (CMOS)-based camera sensor with an array of pixels havinga field of view. In use, images, or frames, from the field of view areobtained by the camera at a preset rate. The readers have anilluminator, typically one or more LEDs, and an electronic shuttermechanism that can be adjusted to obtain sufficiently clear and brightimages. Images are processed with various algorithms to identify anddecode optical indicia including 1D and 2D barcodes within the reader'sfield of view.

Images acquired with optical code reader are referred to generally as aframe. All video and still-frame cameras have a frame rate, or imagingspeed, given in units of frames per second (fps). Many barcode readersoperate at a speed, or frame rate, of sixty (60) frames per second. Animage sensor in such a reader obtains a full image frame every 1/60 of asecond, or roughly every 16.67 milliseconds. After a full frame has beenexposed, the charge of each pixel is shifted out to a memory unit andprocessed collectively into a single image.

Recent advancements in barcode technology include the development ofdigital barcodes, i.e., one- and two-dimensional barcode symbolsgenerated and presented electronically on high-resolution displayscreens of smart phones, computers, and other portable electronicdevices. Digital barcodes have found acceptance in applications such aselectronic coupons, paperless airline tickets, and other applicationsand can be delivered to consumers via email, websites, and televisionadvertising. Despite the widespread and growing use of digital barcodes,many image based barcode scanners cannot reliably read digital barcodesdue to the highly reflective display screens on most electronic devices.Barcodes printed on paper or other physical media are best read with asingle illumination pulse and a relatively short exposure period whilebarcodes presented on a backlit display are best read with noillumination and a relatively longer exposure period.

With the wide variety of scanning applications, including instances inwhich either printed or digital barcodes may be presented to a reader,one frame and a single illumination flash, may not reliably produce anoptimal, i.e., decodable, image. To cover both possibilities, existingbarcode readers inherently require two or more frames, one obtainedunder optimal conditions for digital barcodes and one obtained underoptimal conditions for printed barcodes. This results in the need tooff-load and evaluate multiple frames. This approach is inherently slowdue to the increased time needed to obtain multiple images, even if onlytwo frames are needed to produce a readable barcode image. If bothpossibilities could be covered in the same frame, the speed to obtain areadable image of either type of barcode would be faster.

Therefore, a need exists for an image based optical code reader able toread barcode symbols presented under more than one set of exposure andillumination conditions within a single frame. If multiple conditionscan be applied during a single frame, the number of frames needed toobtain a decodable barcode image may be reduced to a single frame ifeither a printed or a digital barcode is presented to the reader.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces an opticalindicia reader capable of reading optical indicia using images obtainedunder two or more optimized imaging conditions within a single frame.The optical indicia reader includes an image sensor having a pluralityof selectively addressable pixels for obtaining image data from a fieldof view of the reader. The reader also includes an illuminator forilluminating objects within the reader's field of view and a processor.The processor may control the reader to expose two or more pixel groupsof the image sensor to obtain a multiple partial frame images within asingle frame time of the reader.

In an exemplary embodiment, the illuminator provides separateillumination profiles while exposing two pixel groups. The imagesettings for the first pixel group may be optimized for obtaining animage of optical indicia printed on a physical substrate. As such, asingle illumination pulse is directed to the reader's field of viewduring the exposure of the first pixel group. The image settings for thesecond pixel group may be optimized for optical indicia digitallydisplayed on an electronic device in which no active illumination of thereader field of view is provided during the exposure of the second groupof pixels. The exposure periods for the first and second group of pixelsoccur within a single frame time to provide independent partial frameimages of each region in the field of view. The processor processes thefirst and second partial frames of image data to identify and decodeoptical indicia presented under two or more optimized imaging conditionswithin a single frame time.

In an alternative embodiment, the imaging conditions for each partialframe of image data can be optimized for the same type of opticalindicia. In another alternative embodiment, partial frame images may beinterlaced with overlapping regions of the reader field of view

In another aspect, the present invention embraces an image based barcodescanner able to read a barcode symbol presented under two or moreimaging conditions with a single frame of image data. The barcodescanner includes an image sensor with an array individually addressablepixels and an electronic shutter mechanism. The pixels are logicallydivided between two pixel groups and the electronic shutter mechanismseparately exposes the first and second pixel groups to obtainindependent partial frames of image data.

The barcode scanner also includes an illuminator able to provide varyinglevels of illumination to barcode symbols in the reader's field of view.The barcode scanner further includes a processor configured by softwareto perform steps including setting optimized image settings for thefirst and second pixel groups. One pixel group may have image settingsoptimized for reading paper printed barcode symbols while another pixelgroup may have image settings optimized for reading digital barcodes.

The processor may process the partial frame images to identify anddecode either paper-printed or digital barcodes visually depictedtherein.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplaryobjectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in whichthe same are accomplished, are further explained within the followingdetailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image based barcode reader in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate an embodiment of the barcode reader of FIG. 1configured to independently illuminate and expose two or more regions ina field of view within a single frame time.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for operating the barcodereader of FIG. 1 to read printed or digital barcode symbols within thetiming of a single frame by independently illuminating and exposing twoor more regions.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a step of the process of FIG. 3 ingreater detail.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary timing diagram for an image sensor of the barcodereader of FIG. 1 showing independent illumination and exposure of tworegions within a single frame time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces an image based optical indicia reader,such as a barcode scanner, operable to successfully read barcode symbolsregardless of form (and optimum illumination and exposure requirements)within the timing of a single frame. Image sensors in traditionalbarcode scanners utilize global shutters to expose all pixelssimultaneously, resulting in one image per frame. Often, two or moreframes, each exposed under distinct illumination conditions, are neededto obtain readable images of barcode symbols. The present barcodescanner includes an image sensor with an electronic shutter mechanismthat enables two or more regions of interest (ROI) to be illuminated andexposed separately and independently within the timing of a singleframe.

One embodiment of a barcode reader according to the present inventionincludes an image sensor having separately addressable pixels. Pixelsare grouped together to produce images from sub-, or partial, frames ofimage data. Another embodiment of the barcode reader includes an imagesensor with a spatially programmable shutter. The shutter is used tocreate regional shutters that open and close at different times toindependently expose two or more regions. In both embodiments, two ormore independent images are obtained with partial frames obtained withinthe timing of a single frame. The electronic gain of the sensor may alsobe adjusted along with the illumination and exposure settings. As such,each partial frame may be obtained under independent illumination,exposure, and/or gain settings.

The barcode reader further includes an illuminator, user interface withdisplay, and a memory unit operatively coupled to, and controlled by, aprocessor. The processor is configured by software to capture partialframe images from a field of view and process them to identify anddecode barcode symbols contained therein.

The illuminator includes an active light source such as one or more LEDsto provide direct illumination of a region of the field of view.Illumination settings and exposure periods for each partial frame may beoptimized using ideal imaging parameters for either printed or digitalbarcode symbols. The electronic shutter mechanism controls the starttime and duration of each partial frame exposure. The illuminatorcontrols the illumination provided for each partial frame. By obtainingtwo (or more) images of a barcode under different imaging conditionswithin the timing of a single frame, the barcode reader is more likelyto be able to read and decode a barcode symbol, regardless of whether itis on printed on a physical media or digitally presented on anelectronic device.

After each frame time, the full frame of image data, consisting of theaccumulated charge from the partial frame-exposed pixels is shifted outto a memory unit or processor and reset. Signal processing on thepartial frame images is used to identify and decode barcode symbols fromthe field of view. Data received from decodable barcodes may be storedin the memory unit and used by the processor.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary optical indicia reader,i.e., barcode scanner 100, constructed in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The barcode scanner 100 includes a processor 102, memoryunit 104, illuminator 106, image sensor 108, and a user interface 110having a visual display 112. The barcode reader 100 may include othercomponents such as a system bus 114 and interface circuits (not shown)for coupling the processor 102 and the other components to the systembus 114.

The processor 102 is configured to execute instructions and controlvarious tasks related to the operation of the reader 100. For example,the processor 102 may control the reception and manipulation of inputand output data between the components of the reader 100. The processor102 typically has an operating system to execute instructions, such asfor producing and using data from images obtained with the image sensor108. The operating system, software modules, and image data may residewithin the memory unit 104 that is operatively connected to theprocessor 102. The memory unit 104 generally provides a place to storecomputer code and data from barcode symbols decoded by the code reader100.

The processor 102 may utilize numerous software modules, or algorithms,to execute routines related to scanning and decoding barcode symbolsunder various imaging conditions. The processor 102 may further utilizeone or more barcode detection and analysis modules 116 to locate andidentify barcode symbols found in the partial frame images from regionsof the field of view 118.

The processor 102 may also utilize a timing module 124 to enableindependent control of the start and stop of the exposure andillumination associated with each partial frame. The exposure and thetiming and intensity of the illumination during each partial frame maybe set in accordance with known standards for either printed ordigitally displayed barcode symbols. In one embodiment, the exposureperiods for each partial frame are set in a sequential, non-overlappingorder to ensure that the pixels associated with each partial frame areexposed and illuminated independently though still within the timing ofa single frame.

In operation, a trigger or other actuator may signal the processor 102to acquire a first partial frame image from a region of the field ofview in which a barcode symbol may be present. The processor 102 mayemploy image processing algorithms to locate, identify, and decode anybarcode symbols found in the image.

Referring now also to FIGS. 2a and 2b , barcode scanner 100 is shown asa handheld device with a field of view 118 that may include a printedbarcode symbol 120 as part of a paper label 122. The field of view 118may alternatively include a digital barcode symbol 130, presented on abacklit display screen 132 of an electronic device 134 such as smartphone. For illustrative purposes only, in FIG. 2a , the printed barcode120 is shown as a one-dimensional barcode while in FIG. 2b , the digitalbarcode 130 is shown as a two-dimensional barcode. Alternatively, theprinted barcode symbol 120 may be a two-dimensional barcode and thedigital barcode symbol 130 may be a one-dimensional barcode.

The illuminator 106 provides a reflective or direct light source for theimage sensor 108 to obtain a suitable image of a paper printed barcodesymbol 120. Preferred illumination for a printed barcode symbol 120includes a single strobe or pulse during the exposure period. In variousembodiments, the illuminator 106 may comprise LEDs (e.g., white,colored, infrared, ultraviolet, etc.), lasers, halogen lights, arclamps, incandescent bulbs, or any other light source capable ofproducing sufficiently intense lighting. The illumination settings foreach partial frame may be adjusted to ensure clear, machine-readablebarcode images are obtained with a short exposure time. If theillumination settings for printed barcode symbols 120 are used ondigital barcode symbols 130, the resulting images are usually unreadabledue to light reflected by the display screens 132.

An exemplary illumination profile for a barcode presented on anelectronic device includes a relatively long, e.g., 10 milliseconds,period. The preferred illumination setting is a ‘pulse-off’ mode thatkeeps the illuminator off during the entire exposure period so that thedigital barcode symbol 130 is only illuminated via backlighting from thedisplay. Without active illumination such as a flash, the reader 100 isable to obtain computer-readable images of digital barcodes 130.

The user interface 110 may include one or more components capable ofinteracting with a user (e.g., receiving information from a user,outputting information to a user, etc.). The visual display 112 may be atouchscreen capable of displaying visual information and receivingtactile commands from a user (e.g., selections made by touching thescreen with a finger, by pointing at a desired selection, etc.). Theuser interface system 110 may also include one or more speakers,buttons, keyboards, and/or microphones.

The image sensor 108 is preferably a CMOS-based camera/imager with anarray 140 of photosensitive elements (i.e., pixels) providing a field ofview 118 for the reader 100. In an exemplary barcode reader with acamera speed of sixty frames per second (60 fps), the image sensor 108produces a full image frame approximately every 16.67 milliseconds. Theimage sensor 108 includes an electronic shutter mechanism 142 operableto control and limit the exposure of the pixels 140.

One embodiment of the image sensor 108 of the present disclosureprovides a sub-frame imaging mode in which the pixels 140 areselectively divided into two or more groups that are independentlycontrolled to create partial image frames. Each partial frame maycontain separate images for adjacent regions of interest within thefield of view 118 or interlaced images for overlapping regions. Ineither scenario, the start and stop times for the exposure of each pixelgroup is independently controlled. After the two or more groups ofpixels have been exposed, the accumulated charges for the pixel array140 are simultaneously shifted and read out to the memory unit 104 orprocessor 102. The accumulated charges, representing two or more imagesfrom the barcode reader field of view 118 may undergo various signalprocessing routines to obtain data encoded by the barcodes.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a process 200 forreading either a printed or a digital barcode symbol within a singleframe time. Step 202 includes providing a barcode reader with an imagesensor and electronic shutter mechanism operable to independently exposetwo or more pixel groups within a single frame. The image sensorprovides partial frame images corresponding to regions within the fieldof view 118 of the barcode reader 100. Illumination parameters andexposure times for each partial frame image may be adjusted based on theform of the barcode expected therein such as printed and digitalbarcodes.

In step 206, groups of pixels are selectively assigned to form partialframes associated with each region. Regions may be interlaced, allowingfor interpolation between the regions and expanding the dynamic range ofthe image sensor. The regions may otherwise be separate from each otherthough still within the field of view 118. Overlapping regions may alsobe employed by the barcode reader 100.

As already described, image parameters of each region, includingillumination duration and intensity and the exposure period, may be setto optimal imaging parameters for either printed or digital barcodesymbols. One partial frame may be set for a short, i.e., less than amillisecond, illumination pulse with a slightly longer exposure periodfor a printed barcode symbol. A second partial frame may have parametersset for a printed barcode symbol or for a digital barcode symbol. Saiddifferently, the illumination and exposure settings for both regions maybe optimized for paper barcodes (or for digital codes). The ability toproduce multiple independent images within a single frame is a moreefficient means to successfully scan and decode barcode symbols.

In step 208, the start and stop times for the exposure and theillumination profile for the two or more partial frames areindependently set. In some instances, the regions may be illuminated andexposed at separate and distinct times within the single frame. Such asetting may be utilized to ensure that illumination needed for theimaging of one barcode symbol does not interfere with the imaging of adifferent type of barcode symbol. In other instances, the exposureand/or illumination of the regions may overlap.

In step 210, discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 4, thebarcode reader 100 obtains independently exposed partial frame imagesfrom the field of view 118 within a single frame time. Imagingparameters, including illumination intensity and duration and pixelexposure time, are independently set for each region. Optimized imagingparameters for a printed and a digital barcode symbol are set inseparate regions. The barcode reader 100 thus obtains, within each frametime, one image taken under optimized imaging conditions for printedbarcodes and another image taken under optimized imaging conditions fordigital barcodes. With this capability, the barcode scan time isminimized by eliminating the need to determine the barcode type or touse two or more frames in order to obtain a sufficiently clear, i.e.,machine-readable, image when performing a scanning operation.

The barcode reader 100 may be operated with two regions having the sameor similar optimum imaging parameters for the same type of barcode, suchas for a printed barcode. In this mode, the barcode reader 100 is ableto obtain two independent images of the same barcode symbol in one frametime, effectively doubling the camera speed. Two or more images of abarcode symbol obtained within a single frame time can be analyzed toimprove the likelihood of a successful decode. It is also contemplatedthat the barcode reader 100 may scan and decode two barcode symbolslocated within the field of view 118 within the timing of a one frameeven with one digital barcode and one printed barcode.

In step 212, the charges in the entire pixel array 140, representing twoor more partial frame images is shifted and read out to the processor102 or memory unit 104. The images obtained by the image sensor 108 maybe interlaced images from the same ROI, separate images from differentROIs, or a combination of both in the case of overlapping ROIs. In step214, the images are processed to identify and decode a barcode symbol inat least one of the partial frame images.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of step 210 of theprocess 200 for obtaining two or more independent images with thebarcode reader 100 within a single frame time. In step 220, the exposureperiod for the pixel group associated with the first region commences.In step 222, the field of view 118 including the first region ofinterest is illuminated in accordance with optimized imaging parametersfor one type, e.g., paper printed, of barcode symbol. In step 224, theexposure of the pixel group associated with the first region ends. Instep 226, the charged pixels associated with the first partial frameimage are shielded from further exposure for the remainder of the frametime, thereby creating a first partial frame image.

In step 228, the exposure period for the pixels associated with thesecond region of interest commences. In step 230, the field of view 118is illuminated in accordance with the optimized imaging parameters ofanother type, digital, of barcode symbol. In step 232, the exposureperiod for the pixels associated with the second partial frame ends.

In an exemplary operation, the barcode reader 100 may be positioned tobring a paper-printed barcode 120 within the field of view 118. Upon apredetermined triggering action, the imaging process 200 is executedwithin a single frame time. Within that time, pixels groups associatedwith a first and second region are independently exposed for presetlengths of times to create a first and second partial frame. While eachpixel group is being exposed, the field of view 118 may be illuminatedin accordance with the optimized imaging settings associated with eachregion. The start and stop times for the exposure of each pixel groupare separately controlled so as to prevent, for example, illuminationneeded to obtain an image of a printed barcode from affecting theexposure of an image of a digital barcode. After one barcode has beensuccessfully read within a single frame time, the same process may berepeated with a different barcode that will also be successfully readwithin a subsequent frame time.

Referring now also to FIG. 5, an illustrated timing diagram 150 of anexemplary embodiment of step 210 in process 200 for scanning either aprinted barcode 120 or a digital barcode 130 within a single frame timeis shown. During the scanning operation, barcode reader 100 beginsexecuting a scanning and decoding application after processor 102receives a trigger signal. The processor 102 utilizes timing module 124to produce timing control signals used during the imaging process 200 tostart and stop exposures for each partial frame image. In oneembodiment, pixels associated with a first region start an exposureperiod in response to an ‘on’ state 154 of a first exposure timingsignal 152. During the exposure period of the first partial frame image,illuminator 106 may be activated in response to an illumination ‘on’portion 158 of an illumination timing control signal 166. Theilluminator 106 may be controlled so as to produce a short light pulsethat briefly illuminates the field of view 118 and items locatedtherein. The pulsed illumination of the first region may be less thanone millisecond (1 ms) in accordance with ideal imaging parameters forprinted barcode symbols 120. The light reflected back from the printedbarcode 120 is captured by the first pixel group to form the firstpartial frame image.

In the illustrative timing diagram 150, the illuminator 106 may beactivated in response to an illumination ‘off’ portion 160 after theexposure period of the first region has ended. In this manner, theimages obtained from the first region are not affected by possibleillumination provided for the second region. The electronic shuttermechanism 140 is again activated in response to an ‘on’ state 162 of asecond exposure timing signal 168 to begin exposing the pixel groupassociated with the second region. The timing diagram 150 of FIG. 5illustrates optimized exposure and illumination settings for a printedbarcode and a digital barcode. The full frame, made up of the twopartial frame images, is shifted to the memory unit 104 after a pulse164 in a read out signal 170 is detected by the processor 102. Barcodeidentification, pattern recognition, and decoding applications may thenbe utilized to obtain the data represented by each code. The exemplaryframe time in FIG. 5 is based on a barcode scanner with a sixty framesper second (60 fps) speed, though other frame rates may be suitable.

Paper barcodes are typically read in less than one millisecond to a few(˜3, 4, or 5) milliseconds depending on factors such as the type ofpaper, print quality, reading distance, and the amount of light producedby the scanner LEDs. A digital barcode displayed on a typical cell phonecan usually be read with about ten milliseconds of exposure in order togain sufficient light. Image sensors and barcode scanners according toaspects of the present invention provide two or more independentexposures within a single frame, providing increased efficiency and scanaggressiveness.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporatesentirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patentapplication publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of theinvention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited tosuch exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes anyand all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Thefigures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawnto scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in ageneric and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical indicia reader comprising: an imagesensor having a plurality of pixels for selectively obtaining image datafrom a field of view of the reader; an illuminator operable toilluminate the field of view of the reader; and a processor configuredby software to execute instructions stored in a memory, whereby theinstructions cause the processor to perform the steps of: exposing afirst group of pixels of the image sensor to obtain a first partialframe of image data from a first region of interest of the field ofview, and exposing a second group of pixels of the image sensorseparately from the first group of pixels to obtain a second partialframe of image data from a second region of interest of the field ofview; wherein the first and second partial frames of image data areobtained within a single frame time, and the step of exposing the firstgroup of pixels has a different start time and end time from the step ofexposing the second group of pixels.
 2. The optical indicia readeraccording to claim 1, wherein the illuminator is operable to providefirst and second illumination profiles during the steps of exposing ofthe first and second groups of pixels.
 3. The optical indicia readeraccording to claim 2, wherein the first and second illumination profilesare different from each other.
 4. The optical indicia reader accordingto claim 3, wherein one of the first and second illumination profiles isa single illumination pulse.
 5. The optical indicia reader according toclaim 3, wherein one of the first and second illumination profiles is noillumination pulse.
 6. The optical indicia reader according to claim 2,wherein the step of exposing a first group of pixels occurs during afirst exposure period and the step of exposing a second group of pixelsoccurs during a second exposure period.
 7. The optical indicia readeraccording to claim 6, wherein the first and second exposure periodpartially overlap within the single frame time.
 8. The optical indiciareader according to claim 6, wherein the first and second exposureperiods occur sequentially within the single frame time.
 9. The opticalindicia reader according to claim 6, wherein the illumination profileand exposure period for the first group of pixels is optimized forreading optical indicia printed on a physical substrate.
 10. The opticalindicia reader according to claim 9, wherein the illumination profileand exposure period for the second group of pixels is optimized forreading optical indicia electronically displayed.
 11. The opticalindicia reader according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pixels areselectively addressable.
 12. The optical indicia reader according toclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first and second regions ofinterest are interlaced.
 13. The optical indicia reader according toclaim 12, wherein the first and second regions of interest do notoverlap.
 14. The optical indicia reader according to claim 1, whereinthe processor further performs the step of: processing the first andsecond partial frames of image data to identify and decode at least oneoptical indicia visually depicted therein.
 15. An image-based reader ofoptical indicia presented under two or more separate imaging conditionswithin a single frame time, the reader comprising: an image sensorhaving a plurality of addressable pixels split between a first andsecond pixel groups and an electronic shutter mechanism operable toseparately expose the first and second pixel groups to obtain partialframes of image data; an illuminator operable to provide illumination tothe field of view; and a processor configured to execute instructionsstored in a memory whereby executing the instructions causes theprocessor to perform one or more of the following steps to: configureimaging settings for the first pixel group to a first predeterminedscanning mode optimized for reading optical indicia presented in oneform, and configure imaging settings for the second pixel group to asecond predetermined scanning mode optimized for reading optical indiciapresented in another form, wherein the imaging settings for each of thefirst and second predetermined scanning modes include an exposureperiod, the exposure period for the first predetermined scanning modehaving a different start time and end time from the exposure period forthe second predetermined scanning mode.
 16. The optical indicia readerof claim 15, wherein the first predetermined scanning mode includesimaging settings optimized for reading optical indicia printed on aphysical substrate and the second predetermined scanning mode includesimaging settings optimized for reading optical indicia digitallydisplayed with an electronic device.
 17. The optical indicia reader ofclaim 16, wherein the imaging settings of the first predeterminedscanning mode include a single illumination pulse directed to the fieldof view.
 18. The optical indicia reader of claim 17, wherein the imagingsettings for the second predetermined scanning mode include an exposureperiod for the second pixel group having a start time after the firstpixel group has received the reflected light of the illumination pulse.19. The optical indicia reader of claim 15 wherein the processor alsoperforms a step to: process each of the partial frames of image data toidentify and read optical indicia from at least one of the imagesobtained with optimized image settings.
 20. A barcode reader forscanning and decoding paper printed and digital barcodes with a singleframe of image data obtained from a field of view of the reader, thebarcode reader comprising: an image sensor having a plurality ofaddressable pixels and an electronic shutter mechanism, wherein thepixels are divided into two or more pixel groups with regions ofinterest in the field of view and wherein the electronic shuttermechanism is operable to separately expose the two or more pixel groupsto obtain partial frames of image data; an illuminator operable toprovide illumination of varying intensity and duration to the field ofview; and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in amemory whereby executing the instructions causes the processor toperform one or more of the following steps: configure imaging settingsfor a first pixel group to a first predetermined scanning mode optimizedfor reading paper barcodes, and configure imaging settings for a secondpixel group to a second predetermined scanning mode optimized forreading digital barcodes, wherein the imaging settings for each of thefirst and second predetermined scanning modes include an exposureperiod, the exposure period for the first predetermined scanning modehaving a different start time and end time from the exposure period forthe second predetermined scanning mode.
 21. The barcode reader of claim20, wherein the imaging settings for the first and second predeterminedscanning modes include at least one of the exposure period, illuminationintensity, and illumination duration.